The Wild West sprawls at your steel-tipped toes in Houston, one of the bastions of old-school Western culture. You won’t have walk far in your boots to find a ranch where you can play the part of “cowboy” or a museum detailing the region’s Western heritage. Before you dig into a monster rib-eye or do-si-do the night away at a honky tonk, read up on how to embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl.
Scroll down to get our guide to where to go in Houston for a Western-style adventure. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
The Main Event: Livestock Show and Rodeo
Houston’s long Western heritage is celebrated each March during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest in the world.
Each year, Houston welcomes 2 million attendees for its 20-day livestock show and rodeo. The annual festival is full of carnivals, barbecue cook-offs, wine tastings, trail rides, concerts, and wrestling, roping, and racing.
Other Ways to Experience Cowboy Culture in Houston
Many urban cowboys come out to celebrate Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each year, but here is where you can experience the cowboy culture year-round.
Look the Part: Where to Shop
Showing up is just the beginning. Head to these stores to grab a pearl snap shirt or a new pair of boots.
Pinto Ranch is a great shop featuring designer Western clothing, boots, jewelry, and even saddles. A Houston staple, The Hat Store has specialized in steaming and hand-shaping hats since 1915.
Head to Cavender’s for the full Western ensemble, from pearl snaps to boots and ranch gear for professionals and amateur cowboys alike.
Give It a Go: Activities to Try in Houston
Try your hand at a few Ol’ West activities and learn a thing or two about the history of the American cowboys and cowgirls here.
Families can come visit The Oil Ranch in nearby Hockley, meet the cows at the dairy and try a hand at milking, take a tour on a hayride, and meet many tame ranch animals in the petting zoo.
At the American Cowboy Museum, you can learn about the western heritage of Native American, Black, and Hispanic people and women with tours, exhibits, stories by oral historians, and lectures featuring hands-on activities.
Grab Some ‘Grub’: Top Spots to Eat
Grab a true taste of Texas at an excellent Houston restaurant. For a true Texan steak, make sure to visit the on-site butcher shop at Taste of Texas, where you can personally instruct the butcher to cut a rib-eye to your desired thickness.
For a full experience, drop in for happy hour in the bar at The Burning Pear, located at Houston Marriott Sugar Land, or come on a Sunday for the expansive breakfast buffet.
Do-Si-Do: Where to Dance
If you’re eager to dance the night away in your boots, head to Goode’s Armadillo Palace for a taste of a real Texas honky-tonk with plenty of live music.
Hit the Hay: Where to Stay in Houston
Related Articles
